How is a pulmonary embolism diagnosed. What tests are used to detect blood clots in the lungs. Can an X-ray show a pulmonary embolism. What is the most accurate test for diagnosing PE.

Understanding Pulmonary Embolism: A Potentially Life-Threatening Condition

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious medical condition that occurs when a blood clot becomes lodged in the arteries of the lungs. This blockage can impair blood flow, leading to potentially life-threatening complications. Prompt and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and improved patient outcomes.

Diagnosing PE requires a combination of clinical assessment, patient history, and specialized diagnostic tests. Healthcare providers employ various techniques to confirm or rule out the presence of blood clots in the lungs.

Initial Assessment: Pulse Oximetry and Arterial Blood Gas Analysis

When PE is suspected, healthcare professionals often begin with non-invasive tests to assess blood oxygen levels:

Pulse Oximetry: A Quick and Non-Invasive Approach

Pulse oximetry is typically the first test performed when PE is suspected. This non-invasive method measures the percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen in the blood. A pulse oximeter consists of a probe placed on a thin part of the body, such as a finger or earlobe, which uses red and infrared light to estimate oxygen saturation levels.

What oxygen saturation level is considered abnormal? A blood oxygen saturation level below 95% is generally considered abnormal and may indicate a potential problem with lung function or oxygenation.

Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Analysis: A More Precise Measurement

For a more accurate assessment of blood oxygen levels, an arterial blood gas (ABG) test may be performed. This test involves drawing blood directly from an artery, typically in the wrist, to measure oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.

How is ABG measured? ABG results are reported as partial pressures in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). A partial pressure of oxygen less than 80 mm Hg is considered abnormal and may suggest impaired lung function or a potential PE.

Imaging Techniques: Visualizing the Lungs and Blood Vessels

While initial assessments provide valuable information, imaging studies play a crucial role in diagnosing PE and identifying other potential causes of symptoms.

Chest X-Ray: Ruling Out Other Conditions

Can an X-ray detect a blood clot in the lungs? Contrary to common belief, a chest X-ray cannot directly visualize blood clots or conclusively diagnose PE. However, it remains a useful tool in the diagnostic process for several reasons:

• Identifying alternative explanations for symptoms, such as pneumonia or fluid in the lungs
• Detecting signs of pulmonary infarction, although further testing is required for confirmation
• Raising suspicion of PE when combined with low blood oxygen levels and no other apparent cause

While a normal chest X-ray does not rule out PE, it can provide valuable information to guide further diagnostic steps.

Ventilation-Perfusion (VQ) Scan: Assessing Lung Function

A ventilation-perfusion (VQ) scan is a nuclear medicine test that evaluates both air flow (ventilation) and blood flow (perfusion) in the lungs. This test involves two components:

1. Perfusion scan: A slightly radioactive version of technetium mixed with liquid protein is injected into a vein to assess blood flow in the lungs.
2. Ventilation scan: The patient breathes a mixture of air, oxygen, and a mildly radioactive gas (usually xenon) to evaluate air flow in the lungs.

How does a VQ scan detect PE? The test looks for areas of “mismatch” where there is good air flow but poor blood flow, which may indicate the presence of a pulmonary embolism.

A radiologist interprets the VQ scan results and categorizes the probability of PE as high, low, or intermediate. A high probability result typically confirms the diagnosis, while low or intermediate results may require additional testing.

Spiral Computed Tomography (CT): Advanced Imaging for PE Diagnosis

Spiral computed tomography, also known as CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA), has become the gold standard for diagnosing PE in many healthcare settings. This advanced imaging technique offers several advantages:

• Provides detailed, cross-sectional images of the lungs and blood vessels
• Can directly visualize blood clots in the pulmonary arteries
• Offers faster results compared to VQ scans
• May detect alternative diagnoses or coexisting conditions

How accurate is CT in diagnosing PE? Spiral CT has a high sensitivity and specificity for detecting pulmonary embolism, making it a preferred diagnostic tool in many cases.

Additional Diagnostic Tools: Complementary Tests for PE Evaluation

While imaging studies form the cornerstone of PE diagnosis, healthcare providers may employ additional tests to support their assessment and guide treatment decisions.

D-dimer Blood Test: Screening for Clotting Activity

The D-dimer test measures the levels of a substance released when blood clots break down. Elevated D-dimer levels may indicate the presence of abnormal blood clotting in the body.

What role does D-dimer play in PE diagnosis? A normal D-dimer result can help rule out PE in patients with a low clinical probability of the condition. However, elevated levels are not specific to PE and can occur in various other situations, such as recent surgery or pregnancy.

Echocardiography: Assessing Heart Function

An echocardiogram uses ultrasound waves to create images of the heart’s structure and function. In the context of PE diagnosis, echocardiography can:

• Detect signs of right heart strain, which may occur in severe PE
• Identify alternative cardiac causes of symptoms
• Guide treatment decisions, particularly in hemodynamically unstable patients

While not typically used as a primary diagnostic tool for PE, echocardiography can provide valuable information in certain clinical scenarios.

Emerging Technologies: Advancing PE Diagnosis

As medical technology continues to evolve, new diagnostic approaches for PE are being developed and refined:

Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)

MRA uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of blood vessels without the need for ionizing radiation. While not yet widely used for PE diagnosis, MRA shows promise in certain patient populations, such as those with contraindications to CT contrast agents.

Dual-Energy CT

This advanced CT technique uses two different energy levels to create images, potentially improving the detection of small pulmonary emboli and reducing artifacts that can mimic clots.

How does dual-energy CT differ from conventional CT? Dual-energy CT may offer improved visualization of lung perfusion and better characterization of filling defects, potentially increasing diagnostic accuracy for PE.

Integrated Diagnostic Approach: Combining Clinical Assessment and Testing

Diagnosing pulmonary embolism requires a comprehensive approach that integrates clinical assessment, risk stratification, and diagnostic testing. Healthcare providers consider various factors when determining the most appropriate diagnostic strategy:

• Patient’s clinical presentation and symptoms
• Risk factors for venous thromboembolism
• Probability of PE based on clinical prediction rules (e.g., Wells score, Geneva score)
• Results of initial tests, such as D-dimer and chest X-ray
• Availability and suitability of different imaging modalities

This integrated approach helps ensure accurate diagnosis while minimizing unnecessary testing and radiation exposure.

Challenges in PE Diagnosis: Addressing Potential Pitfalls

Despite advances in diagnostic techniques, PE diagnosis can still present challenges for healthcare providers:

Non-specific Symptoms

PE symptoms can mimic those of other conditions, such as heart attack, pneumonia, or anxiety disorders. This overlap can lead to delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis if not carefully evaluated.

Limitations of Individual Tests

No single test is perfect for diagnosing PE in all situations. Each diagnostic tool has its strengths and limitations, which must be considered in the context of the individual patient.

Pregnancy and PE Diagnosis

Diagnosing PE in pregnant women presents unique challenges due to concerns about radiation exposure to the fetus and physiological changes that can affect test interpretation.

How is PE diagnosed in pregnant women? A tailored approach using lower radiation dose protocols, limited imaging studies, and careful consideration of clinical probability is often employed.

Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH)

CTEPH is a rare complication of PE that can be challenging to diagnose. It occurs when blood clots in the lungs do not fully resolve, leading to persistent pulmonary hypertension.

What additional tests may be needed to diagnose CTEPH? Specialized tests such as right heart catheterization and pulmonary angiography may be required to confirm CTEPH and guide treatment decisions.

Future Directions: Improving PE Diagnosis and Management

Ongoing research and technological advancements continue to shape the landscape of PE diagnosis and management:

Artificial Intelligence in Imaging Interpretation

Machine learning algorithms are being developed to assist radiologists in interpreting CT scans and other imaging studies for PE diagnosis. These tools have the potential to improve accuracy and efficiency in detecting pulmonary emboli.

Point-of-Care Ultrasound

Bedside ultrasound techniques, such as focused cardiac ultrasound and compression ultrasonography, are gaining traction as rapid screening tools for PE and deep vein thrombosis in emergency settings.

Biomarker Research

Scientists are investigating novel blood-based biomarkers that may improve the diagnosis and risk stratification of PE. These markers could potentially enhance the accuracy of current diagnostic algorithms and guide treatment decisions.

What promising biomarkers are being studied for PE? Potential candidates include microRNAs, circulating DNA, and specific protein markers associated with thrombosis and inflammation.

Personalized Diagnostic Algorithms

Researchers are working on developing more sophisticated, patient-specific diagnostic algorithms that incorporate individual risk factors, clinical presentation, and test results to optimize PE diagnosis and management.

In conclusion, the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism requires a multifaceted approach combining clinical assessment, laboratory tests, and advanced imaging techniques. While challenges remain, ongoing advancements in medical technology and diagnostic strategies continue to improve our ability to accurately detect and manage this potentially life-threatening condition. As research progresses, we can expect further refinements in PE diagnosis, leading to more personalized and effective care for patients at risk of this serious cardiovascular event.

How is PE Diagnosed? – Blood Clots

A number of different things may alert a physician that a person may be experiencing a pulmonary embolism, or blood clot in their lung.  When this is suspected, a number of crucial tests may be performed, including:

Pulse Oximetry

Often, the first test performed when PE is suspected is a blood oxygen level. The simplest way to measure the blood oxygen level is with a pulse oximeter. Pulse oximetry is a noninvasive way (does not involve a blood draw or needle stick) to monitor the percentage of hemoglobin that is saturated with oxygen. Hemoglobin is the unique molecule in red blood cells that has the ability to carry oxygen.

The pulse oximeter consists of a probe or sensor plus a computer. The probe, which looks like a padded clothespin, is placed on a relatively thin part of a person’s body, such as a finger or earlobe. Both red and infrared light are then transmitted through the tissue by the probe. Based on the absorption of the red and infrared light caused by the difference in color between hemoglobin that is saturated with oxygen (red) and unsaturated hemoglobin (blue), the computer can estimate the proportion of hemoglobin that is oxygenated. The pulse oximeter then displays this result as a percentage. A blood oxygen saturation level less than 95 percent is abnormal. It may be explained by a lung or heart problem already present, such as emphysema or pneumonia, or by PE (or both).

Arterial Blood Gas

A more precise measurement of blood oxygen level is obtained from a sample taken directly from an artery with a needle or a thin tube (catheter). An arterial blood gas (ABG) measures the levels of both oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood to determine how well the lungs are working. While most blood tests are performed on samples taken from a vein, an ABG is performed on a sample taken from an artery. In most cases, the artery in the wrist is used for this purpose, but other arteries may be used. The levels of blood gases are measured as partial pressures in units of millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). A partial pressure of oxygen less than 80 mm Hg is abnormal.

Chest X-Ray

A chest x-ray cannot prove that PE is present or absent because clots do not show up on x-ray. Nevertheless, a chest x-ray is a useful test in the evaluation for PE because it can find other diseases, such as pneumonia or fluid in the lungs, that may explain a person’s symptoms. Occasionally, when pulmonary infarction occurs, the x-ray may suggest this diagnosis, although more testing is necessary to prove it with certainty. A normal or negative chest x-ray with a low, otherwise unexplained blood oxygen level, however, raises the suspicion for PE.

Ventilation-Perfusion Scan (VQ Scan)

A VQ lung scan may be a useful test to determine whether a person has experienced PE. This test evaluates both air flow (V = ventilation) and blood flow (Q = perfusion) in the lungs. About one hour before the test, a slightly radioactive version of the mineral technetium mixed with liquid protein is administered through a vein to identify areas of the lung that may have reduced blood flow. Multiple images are taken from different angles, using a special camera that detects radioactivity. For half of the images, the person breathes from a tube that contains a mixture of air, oxygen, and a slightly radioactive version of the gas xenon, which reveals air flow in different parts of the lung. For the other half of the images, the camera tracks the technetium, which reveals blood flow in different parts of the lung. PE is suspected in areas of the lung that have significant “mismatches”—that is, good air flow but poor blood flow.

Except for the minor discomfort from having an intravenous catheter placed, a VQ lung scan is painless and usually takes less than an hour. The exposure to radioactivity from the test is very minor and results in no side effects or complications.

A radiologist interprets the images from the VQ lung scan and decides whether the probability of a PE is high, low, or intermediate. If the probability is high, the diagnosis is made. If the probability is low or intermediate (that is, nondiagnostic), or if the VQ scan cannot be interpreted clearly, other testing must be considered. Even when PE is ultimately proven to be present, the VQ scan may be nondiagnostic. If clinical suspicion is low and the VQ scan reveals a low probability of PE, generally no further testing is needed. A normal VQ scan means PE is not present.

Spiral Computed Tomography of the Chest

An alternative to the VQ scan is a spiral computed tomography (CT) of the chest. A spiral CT of the chest uses special equipment to obtain multiple cross-sectional x-ray images of the organs and tissues of the chest. CT produces images that are far more detailed than those available with a conventional x-ray. Many different types of tissues—including the lungs, heart, bones, soft tissues, muscles, and blood vessels—can be seen.

When PE is suspected, contrast dye (usually iodine dye) is administered through a vein to make the blood vessels stand out.

During the spiral CT, radiation is emitted from a rotating tube. Different tissues absorb this radiation differently. During each rotation, approximately 1,000 images are recorded, which a computer then reassembles to produce a detailed image of the interior of the chest. The x-ray rotates as the patient passes through the CT scanner in a spiral path—hence the term “spiral” CT. The amount of radiation exposure is relatively low, and the procedure is not invasive.

Pulmonary Angiogram

If the VQ scan interpretation is low, intermediate, or uncertain probability of PE, or if the spiral CT is normal yet the symptoms are still suspicious, then the definitive test is a pulmonary angiogram.  An angiogram is an invasive test that uses x-rays to reveal blockages or other abnormalities within the veins or arteries. Contrast dye (usually iodine dye) helps blood vessels show up clearly on x-rays. During an angiogram, contrast dye is injected into a blood vessel, and its path is tracked by a series of x-rays.

A pulmonary angiogram examines the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the lungs and is performed to see if PE is present. Using x-rays in real-time (fluoroscopy), the radiologist inserts a catheter into a vein and advances it until it reaches the vena cava (the very large vein that carries blood to the heart). Next, the radiologist advances the catheter still farther into the right side of the heart and finally into the pulmonary artery, the large artery that carries blood to the lungs. The radiologist directs the tip of the catheter into the different branches of the right and left pulmonary arteries and injects the contrast dye, which illuminates the arteries on x-ray. If PE is present, it will show up as a blockage.

Risks associated with a pulmonary angiogram include the possibility of damage caused by the catheter, bleeding, and an allergic reaction to the contrast dye. The amount of radiation from the x-rays is too small to cause any harm.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. Doppler ultrasound, B-mode ultrasound, and M-mode ultrasound (a rapid sequence of B-mode images that allows motion to be visualized) are combined to give information about the size of the heart, the function of the valves, and the strength of the heart muscle. (Duplex ultrasound is discussed in detail in Question 9. ) The echocardiogram can spot areas of the heart that are not working well. When patients with a PE have an echocardiogram, approximately 40 percent will be found to have abnormalities of the right side of the heart, particularly the right ventricle. While an echocardiogram is not actually used to diagnose a PE, it can identify strain on the right side of the heart caused by a large PE as well as certain heart problems that may imitate a PE.

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Doppler ultrasonography is the most widely available noninvasive test for deep vein thrombosis.  

Diagnosing deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism may be difficult as the signs and symptoms associated with these disorders are not unique to these conditions. For example, leg pain and swelling or chest pain and shortness of breath may have other causes. As a result, testing is needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Venography and pulmonary angiography remain the gold standards for diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism respectively; however, these tests are now being increasingly replaced by less invasive and less expensive procedures. Three types of imaging tests may be used to diagnose clots in veins.

RADIO LABEL TESTS

Radioactive fibrinogen leg scanning is moderately sensitive and specific for clots in the calf and popliteal veins, but less sensitive for superficial clots in the femoral or iliac veins.

The AcuTect venogram test is a synthetic radiochemical that binds to a protein found on activated platelets. The AcuTect venogram is used to diagnose acute venous clots in the lower extremities of patients with signs and symptoms of such clots. The AcuTect appears to detect acute, but not chronic, clots in the veins.

ULTRASOUND TESTS

The doppler-augmented ultrasound and impedance plethysmography technique are sensitive to proximal clots that cause blockages. Impedance plethysmography does not detect calf vein clots or proximal vein clots that do not block the blood vessel.

Doppler ultrasonography is the most widely available noninvasive test for deep vein thrombosis. Doppler ultrasonography has become the dominant test since the 1980s and has largely replaced impedance plethysmography for noninvasive testing.

X-RAY AND COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY TESTS

Venography testing can detect clots in both calf and proximal veins.

V/Q scanning may be used as a one-step method to diagnose pulmonary embolism in patients with a normal chest radiograph. In patients with an abnormal chest radiograph, V/Q scanning should be used in combination with helical spiral computed tomography testing. V/Q scans tend to be used mainly to exclude rather than confirm pulmonary embolism. V/Q scanning is able to show small clots–and this ability is enhanced by single photon emission computed tomography.

The helical spiral computed tomography technique is very effective in diagnosing clinically important pulmonary embolism and a large number of alternative diagnoses in patients with symptoms who have undergone a V/Q scan. This is an accurate method for detecting and excluding most types of pulmonary embolism.

Laboratory testing is another method of diagnosis

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Intracardiac thrombi. Diagnosis and treatment

Blood clots can form not only in veins, but also in heart cavities and arteries.

Blood clots are a natural reaction of the body. They contribute to the restoration of damaged blood vessels. A blood clot is a blood clot that contains fibrin (a protein needed for blood clotting). But blood clots in the cavities of the heart is a completely different matter.

The most dangerous thing is that there are no symptoms by which one can suspect the presence of intracardiac thrombi. It is possible to detect a thrombus in the cavities of the heart only during diagnostics (echocardiography, etc.). And any symptoms (shortness of breath or suffocation) a person can only feel with pulmonary embolism.

Thrombi can be in the left or right cavities of the heart, in the atria or ventricles (more often these are parietal thrombi).

What are blood clots:

• Floating. These are partially attached thrombi. The danger is that the floating part of the thrombus may come off;
• Parietal, when the clot is completely attached to the wall of the chamber of the heart;
• Occlusive. The most dangerous! These clots cut off blood flow.

Thrombi in the left side of the heart

Most often, blood clots in the left cavities of the heart occur against the background of three diseases.

People at risk are:

• with mitral valve stenosis;
• with atrial fibrillation (atrial fibrillation):
• with postinfarction aneurysm of the left ventricle.

Blood clots in the left side of the heart – the risk of arterial thromboembolism, ischemic attacks or cerebral infarction! With the localization of blood clots in the left cavities of the heart, the arteries of the kidneys, upper and lower extremities, and the arteries of the intestine can also be affected.

Heart attacks and strokes

In arterial atherosclerosis and plaque rupture, a blood clot forms in the artery. As a result, myocardial infarction (necrosis of the organ tissue) can occur. If a thrombus located in the cavity of the left ventricle breaks off, then, spreading through the blood stream, it can clog the arteries of the brain (as a result, cerebral infarction occurs – ischemic stroke), kidneys (kidney infarction), intestines (intestinal infarction, mesenteric thrombosis), limbs (gangrene).

If a clot breaks off, it can spread with the bloodstream and close the vessel lumen! When the vessel is blocked, blood circulation is disturbed, which leads to oxygen starvation and tissue necrosis. This can cause complications such as myocardial infarction, PE, and even death.

If there is an open oval window in the intercardiac septum, blood clots from the veins of the lower extremities, the pelvis can move from the right atrium to the left and then enter the brain with the blood flow. The result is also a stroke.

Blood clots resulting from an aneurysm of the heart

After a heart attack, parietal thrombi may form in the left ventricle. They are seen by specialists with the help of echocardiography. This is the main type of diagnostic for the detection of blood clots in the cavities of the heart. If they are detected, a specialist may prescribe anticoagulants (in the absence of contraindications).

Thrombi formed during mitral valve stenosis

There is a special variety – a spherical thrombus in the left atrium. Such a thrombus is formed during mitral valve stenosis, in which outflow from the left atrium into the left ventricle is disturbed.

Thrombi formed during atrial fibrillation (atrial fibrillation)

In atrial fibrillation, blood clots are usually localized in the left atrial appendages. The ear is a protrusion of the atrium (it looks like a sac). Thrombi of the left atrial appendage can be detected most often only with transesophageal echocardiography. They are very difficult to detect with echocardiography.

Blood clots in the right side of the heart

The presence of a blood clot in the right side of the heart is fraught with complications in the form of thromboembolism of the branches of the pulmonary artery (a disease in which the arteries of the lungs are affected). PE is one of the most dangerous complications.

A thrombus may first form in the deep veins of the lower extremities. If a floating thrombus breaks off, then with the blood flow it first enters the right heart, and then into the pulmonary artery. This can lead to sudden death!

Diagnosis

The main method for diagnosing intracardiac thrombi in MedicCity is echocardiography.

1

Echo-KG (ultrasound of the heart)

2

Echo-KG (ultrasound of the heart)

3

Echo-KG (ultrasound of the heart)

If you need to diagnose blood clots in the veins, duplex scanning of the veins of the lower extremities is performed, etc.

Treatment

To prevent thrombosis, a specialist may prescribe you anticoagulants or antiaggregants (if there are no contraindications).

Patients with mitral valve stenosis, atrial fibrillation or postinfarction aneurysm need regular echocardiographic monitoring! Especially in the presence of prosthetic valves. In this case, ECHO-KG should be done every year.

After a myocardial infarction, it is necessary to check whether a blood clot has formed in the cavity of the heart.

Those who take hormonal contraception are also at risk. They increase the risk of thrombosis, as well as myocardial infarction. You may find a warning in the instructions for the side effects.

Intracardiac clots can lead to serious complications! If necessary, consult a doctor and follow all recommendations.

The material was prepared with the participation of a specialist:

• Zakharov Stanislav Yurievich

  Cardiologist, doctor of functional diagnostics

  Highest qualification category, Doctor of Medicine, Member of the European Society of Cardiology and the Russian Society of Cardiology

7 signs that there may be blood clots in the body

Likbez

Health

April 24, 2021

If you do not seek help in time, you can say goodbye to life.

Blood clots are clotted blood. Normally, they protect us from scratches and other wounds: blood coagulates, a clot stops bleeding from a damaged capillary or vein. And then, having completed the task, within a few hours or days, it safely disintegrates and disappears. But sometimes things don’t go according to plan.

Why blood clots are dangerous

Blood clots can also occur inside the veins. This condition is called thrombosis. It most often affects the legs, especially if you lead a sedentary lifestyle. But any part of the body can be at risk.

If such a blood clot breaks off, it enters the general circulation and can clog vessels in the heart, brain or lungs. This is a life-threatening situation that can lead to a heart attack, stroke, or pulmonary embolism, the stoppage of the lungs.

Therefore, it is extremely important to know the symptoms that blood clots manifest themselves in. Your life may depend on it.

Reading now 💔

• 11 signs you may be in cardiac arrest

When to call an ambulance immediately

Urgently dial 103 or 112 if:

• it suddenly becomes difficult to breathe, there is a lack of oxygen;
• present with chest pain or simple discomfort that is aggravated by coughing or taking a deep breath;
• coughing up bloody sputum;
• difficulty speaking;
• eyesight worsened – vision began to double, blind spots appeared, “fog”;
• blood pressure dropped sharply, and this is accompanied by dizziness, clouding of consciousness, fainting.

This is how a heart attack, stroke, pulmonary embolism manifest themselves. It is not a fact that they are provoked by a detached thrombus. But in any case, there is no time to think about the reasons: if the above symptoms appear, immediately seek help.

How to understand that you may have blood clots

It is better not to bring things to critical, deadly manifestations – this is already clear. Thrombosis is important to catch at the earliest possible stage in order to prevent complications.

The problem is that it is difficult to suspect the presence of blood clots in the vessels. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in about half of people, blood clots almost never show themselves.

Nevertheless, it is still possible to assume blockage of blood vessels. Here are a few signs that indicate a possible thrombosis in different parts of the body.

1. Swelling in the leg or arm

Swelling can either occur in the place where the vessel is directly blocked, or spread to the entire limb. Moreover, in this case, only one arm or leg suffers – the one in the vessels of which the alleged blood clot is located.

2. Leg cramps

Regular cramps can be a symptom of circulatory problems. Blood clots can also cause it.

3. Sudden pain in the leg

This is one of the main symptoms of deep vein thrombosis. Often pain in the calf muscle, sharp or pulsating, is almost the only sign of acute circulatory disorders.

4. Changes in skin color

Blood clot impedes normal blood circulation. As a result, some of the blood vessels are overflowing with blood, while others, on the contrary, suffer from a lack of it. This can be manifested by changes in skin color: in some areas of the affected limb, it turns red or becomes cyanotic, in others, on the contrary, it turns pale.

5. Changes in skin temperature

The skin around the blood clot may be regularly warm and itchy. An increase in temperature is a chance to feel to the touch.

6. Unmotivated attacks of nausea or vomiting

If you feel nauseated regularly, this may be a symptom of thrombosis of the mesenteric vessels – those that supply blood to different parts of the intestine. You can assume the condition if vomiting appears, but does not bring relief, and you continue to feel nauseous.

7. Abdominal pain

It can also be a sign of obstruction of the mesenteric vessels. Especially if the stomach aches almost constantly, and the pain intensifies after eating. Also among the indirect signs of thrombosis can be called diarrhea and bloating.

What to do if you have signs of thrombosis

If you have the slightest suspicion, be sure to consult a physician as soon as possible. The doctor will conduct an examination, ask you about the symptoms and, if necessary, send you to a narrow specialist – a phlebologist or a vascular surgeon.

Treatment will depend on where the clot is located and how likely it is to break off.